CJSpud Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 For all you building code experts in ChiefTalk land, below is an image I recently captured, that shows a very nice circular staircase. I "think" the picture was taken in Washington D.C., perhaps the Capital building but I have never been there so am only guessing on the location. My question is: If this stairs was built in a residential home, would it meet the IRC 2012 code requirements? The pertinent code section is IRC 2012 R311.7 Stairways. I haven't looked at the IBC so I don't know what differences there is between the two codes. If that stairs was located in the ICC building, it would have been more interesting. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLDrafting Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 Pretty sure this one won't pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJSpud Posted June 13, 2014 Author Share Posted June 13, 2014 Jim: I agree. My question is related to a project I am working on that includes a large turret that will have a circular stairway between the main and 2nd story. The height between floors is 16' 1-3/4" thus a landing is required. Landings for residential stairways are governed by R311.7.6. What I am questioning is the reason for the landing size change in the 2012 IRC vs. the previous version. This new change is forcing me into making a larger diameter turret so I can get the stairs to land in the proper location at the 2nd story elevation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLDrafting Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 CJ, Din't have the solution and had just seen this strange stair online. Thought it was unusual. I did look at the Code compliance you referred to and I would be seeking advice as well, or at least check my layout for the required landing. It looks like the landing will push the lower stairs around the center point a bit, but the radius will stay continuous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJohnson Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 Jim: I agree. My question is related to a project I am working on that includes a large turret that will have a circular stairway between the main and 2nd story. The height between floors is 16' 1-3/4" thus a landing is required. Landings for residential stairways are governed by R311.7.6. What I am questioning is the reason for the landing size change in the 2012 IRC vs. the previous version. This new change is forcing me into making a larger diameter turret so I can get the stairs to land in the proper location at the 2nd story elevation. I know you're figureing out landings, but note that the railings are guardrail height, 42" above tangent, with a handrail attached per commercial railing requirements. Residential code allowes the 32 to 36" handrail to act as guardrail too, nothing higher required, at least here in CA. The stairway may be more recent than 1860's when US Capitol was built. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJSpud Posted June 14, 2014 Author Share Posted June 14, 2014 The reason I did this post was because I was having a bad hair day understanding the landing size requirements under the 2012 IRC. An inspector from Clarkston, WA inadvertently hit my light switch and now I think I got it. The code writers different applications for the word "width" for some reason was giving me trouble. I guess I need to give the code writers a little slack ... the answer was there ... I just couldn't see it. Thanks for the replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis_Gavin Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 Pretty sure this one won't pass. CJ - No problem. IT is a ramp with built in SEATING! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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